2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Ethnic Studies programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 656 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Ethnic Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Haskell Indian Nations University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Ethnic Studies programs schools in the United States. Based in Lawrence, KS, Haskell Indian Nations University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $600. Median earnings reach $37,043 ten years out. Haskell Indian Nations University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Haskell Indian Nations University report
Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Ethnic Studies ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Durant, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Graduates carry a median of $18,660 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,079. Set against $18,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
A rank of #4 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #5 makes Cuny Hunter College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,698 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Cuny Hunter College alumni report median earnings of $63,163 a decade after entry. Set against $10,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny Hunter College
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
San Diego State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $20,499 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,499 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Grand Valley State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $26,814. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $26,814 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
San Francisco State University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $17,875. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $17,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Francisco State University
Iowa State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $23,495. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Cuny Brooklyn College placed #11 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $14,094. Cuny Brooklyn College alumni report median earnings of $60,752 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,094 median debt. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants. Get the full Cuny Brooklyn College report
Stanford University placed #12 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $10,492. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Stanford University
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $20,798. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Utah
California State University Chico landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. California State University Chico Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $18,591 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,172. That is a strong return on a $18,591 median debt. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about California State University Chico
Bowdoin College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,832. Students borrow a median of $20,658 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,735. Set against $20,658 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 7%. Get the full Bowdoin College report
University Of Florida placed #16 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Eastern Michigan University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,781 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
Miami University Oxford came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,177 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
California State University Long Beach ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $12,187 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Cuny City College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $20,532. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,039. That is a strong return on a $20,532 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Cuny City College
Sonoma State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rohnert Park, CA, Sonoma State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, while out-of-state students pay about $21,224. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $19,187. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. Sonoma State University has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Sonoma State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Iowa placed #23 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. More on Duke University
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Ethnic Studies Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Wellesley College placed #28 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wellesley, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,176. Students borrow a median of $11,075 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,803. Set against $11,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 14%. See the full Wellesley College profile
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,843 in student loans. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Depaul University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Depaul University
Georgetown University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Georgetown University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,494. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgetown University report
California State University Northridge came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State University Fullerton placed #33 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. California State University Fullerton Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $19,750. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Utah State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $16,191 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,964 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $21,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #38 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $12,870. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Western Washington University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $20,361 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Western Washington University
California State Polytechnic University Pomona landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,486 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $13,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
California State University Sacramento ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Set in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $18,120 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Set against $18,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University Sacramento
George Washington University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. More on George Washington University
Williams College placed #42 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamstown, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,560. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $12,615. Median earnings reach $88,665 ten years out. Set against $12,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Williams College
Brown University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Brown University Ethnic Studies students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. That is a strong return on a $13,025 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brown University
Aurora University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $24,507 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Aurora University
Barnard College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,888. Students borrow a median of $17,609 to complete their Ethnic Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,516 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,609 median debt. Barnard College admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Barnard College
Dartmouth College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. The median Ethnic Studies program debt is $15,157. Median earnings reach $97,434 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Dartmouth College
University Of Delaware landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. More on University Of Delaware
Yale University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Ethnic Studies schools. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Typical Ethnic Studies student debt is $13,107. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,107 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Yale University profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #50 among the best-value Ethnic Studies schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,056 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $15,056 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Ethnic Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 656 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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